Contrary to reports, Rhea Ripley is still here in the United States. The former NXT Women’s Champion confirmed as much via Instagram.
Yesterday, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported that Rhea Ripley went back home to Australia on Monday to renew her work visa, which recently expired. This morning, she confirmed that she’s still in America on her Instagram story.
It’s unclear if her visa is actually expired. However, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer believes it didn’t have any bearing on the decision for her to drop the title over the weekend.
“I’m double checking on this but one person high up just denied that to me, he said. “Again, I’m not saying Mike is wrong, in this company the left and right hand rarely know what the other is doing. But the person I checked with would know the creative reason given which was Charlotte to NXT for ratings help.”
There’s no word on if Rhea Ripley will be available to appear at the upcoming tapings for NXT later this week. In the meantime, six women will compete in a No. 1 Contender’s Ladder Match for a chance to challenge Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women’s Championship.
Be sure to check back with Bell to Belles for updates on Rhea Ripley and NXT’s women’s division.